Trek in the captivating Kanneliya

One of Sri Lanka’s lesser known forest reserves, perhaps for the better, the Kanneliya rainforest is one of the many coveted sights that Galle has to offer. While being a part of the Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya forest reserve complex (KDN complex) the Kanneliya rainforest has two of the country’s main rivers running through it and a diverse range of wildlife living within its thick canopy. The rainforest is just 35km away from Galle and houses around 78 villages. The opportunity that Kanneliya provides as a mechanism of harmonizing with nature undoubtedly makes this a fantastic experience for children and families.

For someone travelling all the way from Colombo three possible routes can be taken. However, it should be mentioned that public transportation can only be used upto Panangala and once you reach there, access to the rainforest will be provided through the forest department managed conservation center located close to Galle-Udugama-Neliwa road at Koralegama, Panangala.

The easiest option would be to drive along the Southern expressway or use the Colombo-Galle main road, and then drive towards Udugama and reach Panangala, although being slightly longer in terms of distance. However, you can also reach the destination by choosing to drive through Kalutara (Katukurunda), passing Mathugama, Moragala and Palewatta. From Palewatta you can either choose to come through Neluwa and Thawalama side or Pitigala and Uduguma side.

To make your travelling experience a hassle-free one, Google Maps will be of great assistance.

Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya forest reserve region is the last remaining large rainforest in Sri Lanka, other than the excluding the Sinharaja Rainforest. The forest is situated 35km northwest of the City of Galle; and is a major catchment area for two of the most important rivers in southern Sri Lanka, “Gin Ganga” and “Nilwala Ganga”. Designated as a biosphere reserve in 2004 by UNESCO, the Kanneliya forest reserve is home to many endemic plant and animal species and it is recognized as one of the most floristically rich areas in whole of South Asia. The eye-catching “Angimale” fall is located just 2km away from the entrance.

Hiking perhaps takes prominence among the activities at Kanneliya. If you take the “Kabbale” Mountain trail, you will eventually reach the summit point that offers a stunning panoramic view for photography. On the other hand, the trail to “Narangas Ella” takes you to the heart of the forest, passing several important landmarks such as the giant Navada tree. At the end of the trek, you can dip in the clean and cool waters of the natural pools found in front and behind the Conservation Center or the one behind the Kanneliya Forest resort, which promises a rejuvenating experience.

If you plan to lodge, the Forest Department Dormitory would be the best option but a few private eco-lodges are also found close to Kanneliya. If nothing works, simply stay in Galle because it takes lesser than an hour from there to reach the rainforest.

Where else would one find sun-kissed beaches that stretch for miles and miles providing an ultimate leisure resort to local and foreign travelers? Where else would one find the cascading waterfalls, sprinkling drops of icy water on anyone passing by? Where else would one find ancient kingdoms that remain in significant proportions in the current day and age? Where else would one find the tropical rainforests housing thousands of diverse flora and fauna? There is a reason why the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is called a tropical paradise, for the sights it has to offer and the culture it has to share is nothing like anything you will encounter anywhere else in the world. Any passionate traveler having a first-hand experience in Sri Lanka cannot help but fall in love with these adornments; for true beauty is not mere appearance. It is an emotional attachment.

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